Fluid delivery systems, devices and methods for delivery of fluids

ABSTRACT

A fluid delivery system includes a container for fluid to be delivered to a patient, a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container, and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to fluid delivery systems, to fluid delivery devices and to methods of fluid delivery, and, especially, to fluid delivery systems, devices and method for delivery of medical fluids to a patient.

In many medical procedures, such as drug delivery, it is desirable to inject a fluid into a patient. Likewise, numerous types of contrast media (often referred to simply as contrast) are injected into a patient for many diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedures. For example, contrast media are used in diagnostic procedures such as X-ray procedures (including, for example, angiography, venography and urography), computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonic imaging. Contrast media are also used during therapeutic procedures, including, for example, angioplasty and other interventional radiological procedures as well as chemotherapy. Saline is often used as a diluent or flushing fluid in conjunction with contrast media. Regardless of the type of procedure, any fluid injected into the patient must be sterile and contain a minimum of pyrogens. Moreover, injection of air should be minimized or completely eliminated.

Under the typical current practice of injecting contrast media via syringe pumping systems using loadable, empty syringes, hospitals must purchase and stock many contrast media concentrations in multiple container sizes in an attempt to provide the correct concentration and amount of a specific contrast for a specific procedure, while minimizing the wastage of contrast. In that regard, contrast is typically very expensive. Most contrast media are thus provided by manufacturers in numerous concentrations in sterilized containers (such as glass bottles or plastic packages) ranging, for example, incrementally in size from 20 ml to 500 ml (and even up to 1000 ml under current European practice). These containers are generally designed for a single use (that is, once a container is opened for a patient, it is used for that patient only). The contrast is generally aspirated from such containers via the syringe pump used to inject the contrast, and any contrast remaining in the container is discarded to prevent infection with potentially contaminated contrast. The hospital staff is faced with the task of choosing an appropriately sized contrast container to assure an optimum study while minimizing discarded contrast. Time consuming procedures are required to reload the syringe if more contrast is required than originally calculated. On the other hand, expensive waste results if only a portion of a filled syringe is injected. The inventory of contrast containers required under the current system increases costs and regulatory burdens throughout the contrast media supplier-consumer chain.

Alternatively, contrast is provided in prefilled syringes which can be loaded onto an injector without time-consuming filling procedures. However, such syringes are provided in single-dose volumes. The hospital must still maintain an inventory of disposable syringe of different volumes and concentration. Moreover, hospital staff is still required to choose a prefilled syringe of appropriate volume to ensure that sufficient contrast is available during the injection procedure. Waste occurs if the prefilled syringe includes excess fluid. Waste also occurs, for example, in that case that a prefilled syringe includes insufficient fluid, resulting in termination of a procedure or use of only a portion of a second prefilled syringe.

Many of the costs, regulatory burdens and other problems associated with the use of multiple contrast containers, and even prefilled syringes, can be substantially eliminated through use of relatively large contrast media containers for single- and multiple-patient use in connection with a pumping system allowing any volume and concentration (as limited by the volume and concentration of the medial container) of contrast to be injected as determined by the hospital staff before or during a procedure. Relatively large containers of a fluid such as saline can be used for flushing and/or dilution. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, disclose pumping systems that are removably connectible to a relatively large source of contrast or saline. Those pumping systems are adapted to provide controlled, continuous flow of generally any volume of fluid during an injection procedure.

Although continuous pumping systems such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000 can eliminate many of the problems associated with current injection practices, a number of problems persist. For example, there is a risk of contamination by operating personnel when removable fluid connections are made or broken (such as the fluid connection between a fluid source and the pumping mechanism of the pumping system). Making such fluid connections also requires use of valuable and limited operator time. Furthermore, required operator tasks introduce the potential for human error.

It thus remains desirable to develop improved fluid delivery systems, to fluid delivery devices and to methods of fluid delivery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery system including at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient, a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container, and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism. The container can be a flexible container (for example, a flexible plastic bag) or a rigid container (for example, a glass container).

In general, the continuous pumping mechanisms of the present invention enable convenient operation via continuous (or uninterrupted) pumping of fluid from the container (without, for example, having to stop and reload) over multiple procedures and/or patients. Moreover, a patient dose can be determined in real time as the procedure is progressing, ensuring that the patient will be neither over dosed nor under dosed. Moreover, no waste of fluids occur as a result of over dosing or under dosing.

In general, the continuous pumping mechanisms suitable for use in the present invention are energy assisted devices (for example, electrical energy, mechanical energy, manual energy, pneumatic energy etc.) as opposed to, for example, gravity fed or drip devices. Examples of continuous pumps suitable for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, rotary pumps, multi-chambered piston pumps and gear pumps. In certain embodiments, positive displacement pumps are preferred. In positive displacement of the liquid medium, there is generally a one-to-one correspondence between the length of a stroke (typically, a generally linear stroke) of a pressurizing mechanism and the amount of liquid medium displaced. Positive displacement through generally linear motion can, for example, provide better volumetric efficiency than achievable through the use of rotational or rotary pumps. Volumetric efficiency can be defined as the volume of fluid actually per unit mechanical displacement divided by the theoretical volume of fluid delivered per unit mechanical displacement. The volumetric efficiency of rotational pumps can be dependent upon the pressure and flow rate of the liquid medium. In certain embodiment, muti-chambered, positive displacement pumps are preferred.

Continuous pumping mechanism for use in the present invention are preferably capable of achieving relatively high flow rates (for example, flow rates in excess of 0.1 ml/second and often in the range of approximately 0.1 ml/second to 50 ml/second) and/or high pressure (for example, in excess of 20 psi) injections without excessive pulsatile flow. Typically, high flow rates are associated with high pressures as a result of delivery of such high flow rates through relatively small-bore flow path element (for example, catheters).

Preferably, continuous pumping mechanisms for use in the present invention provide for relatively accurate control of a bolus of fluid delivered to a patient. (for example, rise and fall times of under 100 ms can be provided in the case of, for example, a square bolus). A square bolus of fluid delivery or other bolus configuration may be required for optimum enhancement.

The continuous pumping mechanisms of the present invention facilitate closed feedback control during fluid delivery. For example, based on the measured results of the fluid already delivered, fluid delivery parameters (for example, flow rate, volume, concentration etc.) can be readily adjusted in real time based on the measure real time results. The continuous pumping mechanisms of the present invention can also preferably provide for relatively accurate control of the delivery of fluids. (for example, within ±2% of volume and flow rate, and within ±50 psi of pressure controlled) over a broad range of flow rates.

The fluid delivery system of the present invention can further include at least one one-way valve or other mechanism in fluid connection with the container (for example, between the pump mechanism and the container) to prevent flow of fluids from outside the container into the container (for example, from the pump into the container). In one embodiment, the container includes a plurality of ports in fluid connection with the pumping mechanism, and a one way valve is in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and each the plurality of ports, to prevent flow from the pumping mechanism to the container. Preventing flow of fluid from outside of the container into the container (for example, from the pumping mechanism to the container) can reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination between patients when the fluid delivery systems of the present invention are used in connection with multiple patients. Likewise, undesirable fluids (for example, air or, indeed, any fluid other than the original contents of the container can be prevented from entering the container. Additionally or alternatively, the pumping mechanism is adapted (for example, via means known in the pumping arts) so that it cannot pump fluid from outside the container into the container. In other words, the pump mechanism cannot be operated in reverse. Preventing such reverse flow can further reduce or eliminate the likelihood of cross-contamination between patients and reduce the likelihood of drawing fluids (for example, air) into the container. Preferably, continuous pumping mechanisms used in the present invention facilitate generally the prevention of or the minimization of delivery of air to a patient during an injection procedure.

In one embodiment, the pump mechanism includes at least one pressurizing chamber in fluid connection with the container. The pressurizing chamber is adapted to be placed in operative, removable connection with an energy assisted drive mechanism to pump fluid from within the container. As described above, fluid from the container can, for example, be pressurized within the pressurizing chamber via positive displacement. The pump mechanism can include a plurality of pressurizing chambers in which fluid from the container is pressurized for delivery to the patient via positive displacement. In one embodiment, each of the pressurizing chambers is in fluid connection with a single pump mechanism outlet.

The pressurizing chambers can, for example, be formed from a flexible, resilient material that can be compressed to pressurize fluid within the pressurizing chamber. The flexible material of the pressurizing chambers can be suitably resilient such that recovery of the flexible material of the pressurizing chambers creates a pressure difference between the pressurizing chamber and the storage container suitable to draw fluid from the storage container into the pressurizing chambers.

In another embodiment, each of the pressurizing chambers comprises a piston slidably disposed therein.

The container of the present invention can, for example, filled with fluid to be injected and be substantially devoid of air (for example, when shipped to the end user). For example, the volume of air in the container can be less than 1 volume percent. Additionally or alternatively, the end user can simply purge air from the container as known in the medical injection arts.

In one embodiment, the container comprises no inlet port through which a fluid can enter the container. In this manner, contamination of fluid within the container with external agents can more easily be prevented. However, such inlet ports can be provided in certain embodiments. The fluid container and the pump mechanism of the fluid delivery systems of the present invention can, for example, be disposable as unit.

The outlet of the pumping mechanism can, for example, be placed in fluid connection with a connector adapted to place the fluid delivery system in fluid connection with a per-patient disposable tubing set. The connector can, for example, be adapted to place the pumping mechanism in fluid connection with a plurality of per-patient disposable tubing sets sequentially to allow injection of fluid from the container into multiple patients. The connector can, for example, be swabable to clean the connector after a tubing set has been removed therefore and prior to connection of another tubing set thereto.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery system, including: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient, a drive mechanism, and a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the fluid container. The pump mechanism is adapted to be placed in removable, operative connection with the drive mechanism. The fluid delivery system further comprises an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism.

As described above, the fluid delivery system can further include at least one one-way valve in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and the container to prevent flow from the pump mechanism to the container. In one embodiment, the pump mechanism includes a plurality of pressurizing chambers in which fluid from the container is pressurized at least one one-way valve in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and the container to prevent flow from the pump mechanism to the container. Likewise, the pumping mechanism can be adapted to not pump fluid from outside the container into the container.

Each of the pressurizing chambers can be in fluid connection with a single pump mechanism outlet. In one embodiment, the pressurizing chambers are formed from a flexible, resilient material that can be compressed to pressurize fluid within the pressurizing chamber. The flexible material of the pressurizing chambers can be suitably resilient such that recovery of the flexible material of the pressurizing chambers creates a pressure difference between the pressurizing chamber and the storage container suitable to draw fluid from the storage container into the pressurizing chambers. The drive mechanism can include at least one drive member to compress the pressurizing chambers. The drive mechanism can, for example, include a drive member for each of the pressurizing chambers to compress each of the pressurizing chambers in a timed fashion. The operation of the drive member can be appropriately timed to reduce pulsatile nature of the flow.

In another embodiment, each of the pressurizing chambers includes a piston slidably disposed therein. In this embodiment, the pressurizing mechanism can, for example, include a plurality of connectors wherein one of the plurality of connectors is in operative connection with each of the pistons. Each of the plurality of connectors is adapted to be placed in releasable connection with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can, for example, include a plurality of drive members. Each of the plurality of drive member can include a cooperating connector adapted to be placed in removable, operative connection with one of the connectors of the pumping mechanism.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of distributing a fluid to be injected into a patient, including the step of creating a fluid delivery system by filling a at least one container with fluid to be to be injected into at least one patient. The fluid container is placed in non-removable fluid connection with a continuous pump mechanism (as described above). The pump mechanism includes an outlet. The method further includes transporting the fluid delivery system to a user.

The pump mechanism can be in non-removable fluid connection with container prior to filling the container. The pump mechanism can also placed in non-removable fluid connection with container after filling the container.

The method can further include the step of priming the pumping mechanism with fluid from the container prior to transporting the fluid delivery system. The method can also include the step of purging air from at least the container of the fluid delivery system prior to transporting the fluid delivery system.

The method can further include the step of placing the fluid delivery system in a package prior to transporting the fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system can be packaged in a sterile state.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of delivery fluid to a patient, including the step of removing a fluid delivery system from a package. The fluid delivery system includes: at least one container having therein fluid to be delivered to a patient, a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container, and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism. The method further includes the steps of removably connecting the pump mechanism to a drive mechanism and connecting a first patient interface to the outlet.

The method can further include injecting fluid into at least a first patient. The method can also include the step of removing the first patient interface from connection with the outlet after injecting fluid into the first patient and connecting a second patient interface to the outlet. The method can further include the step of disposing of the fluid delivery system after injecting fluid therefrom.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit for fluid delivery packaged in a sterile container. The kit includes at least one fluid delivery system including: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient, a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container, and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism. The kit can further include at least one per-patient disposable tubing set including a connector to connect to the outlet of the fluid delivery system. A plurality of per-patient disposable tubing sets can be provided. The kit can also include at least one manual syringe connectible to the tubing set. The manual syringe can, for example, be adapted to draw blood from a patient or to inject a fluid.

A plurality of fluid delivery systems, wherein each of the fluid delivery systems includes a different fluid in the container thereof, can be included in the system. In one embodiment, the container of one of the fluid delivery systems encloses a contrast enhancement medium and the container of another one of the fluid delivery systems encloses saline.

In an additional aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery device, including: at least one inlet connectible to a fluid supply and at least two resilient pressurizing chambers in fluid connection with the at least one inlet. Each of the pressurizing chambers is formed from a flexible material that can be compressed to pressurize fluid within the pressurizing chamber. The fluid delivery system further includes an inlet valve in fluid connection with each of the pressurizing chambers between the storage container and the pressurizing chamber. The inlet valve is operable to allow fluid to enter the pressurizing chamber from the storage container but to prevent fluid from flowing from the pressurizing chamber into the storage container. A common outlet is in fluid connection with the pressurizing chambers. An outlet valve is in fluid connection with each of the pressurizing chambers between the pressurizing chamber and the outlet. The outlet valve is operable to allow fluid to enter the outlet from the pressurizing chamber but to prevent fluid from flowing from the outlet into the pressurizing chamber.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery system including: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient and a pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container. The pump mechanism is suitable to pressurize the fluid to at least 20 psi. The fluid delivery system further includes an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism. In one embodiment, the pump mechanism is suitable to pressurize the fluid to at least 50 psi. In another embodiment, the pump mechanism is suitable to pressurize the fluid to at least 100 psi. In still another embodiment, the pump mechanism is suitable to pressurize the fluid to at least 300 psi.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery system including: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient; a pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container. The pump mechanism is suitable to pressurize the fluid with a degree of pulsatile flow no greater than 25%, wherein the degree of pulsatile flow is defined by the following equation: 100%*(max flow−min flow)/average flow. The fluid delivery system further includes an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism. In one embodiment, the degree of pulsatile flow is no greater than 20%. In another embodiment, the degree of pulsatile flow is no greater than 15%. In still another embodiment, the degree of pulsatile flow is no greater than 10%.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery system including: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient. The container has a single port. The fluid delivery system further includes a pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the single port of the container and a mechanism adapted to prevent reverse flow through the pump and into the container via the single port.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a fluid delivery system including: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient; a pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container, and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism. The container can, for example, include less than 1% by volume of air. In one embodiment, the container has less than 3 ml of air therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects of the invention and their advantages will be discerned from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a fluid delivery system of the present invention and an embodiment of a drive mechanism for use with the pumping mechanism of the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1B illustrates the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1A in position to be in operative connection with the drive mechanism.

FIG. 1C illustrates the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1A in operative connection with the drive mechanism.

FIG. 1D illustrates an enlarged view of one of the drive members of the drive mechanism of FIG. 1A compressing a pressurizing chamber of the pumping mechanism of the fluid delivery system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pumping mechanism of the present invention which operates in a manner similar to the pumping mechanism of FIG. 1A but includes a single inlet in fluid connection with the fluid container.

FIG. 2A illustrates the drive mechanism of FIG. 1A in an open state in which the pumping mechanism can be place in operative connection therewith.

FIG. 2B illustrates the drive mechanism of FIG. 1A in a closed state.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid delivery system of the present invention in which a pumping mechanism is connectible to a fluid container.

FIG. 4A illustrates another embodiment of a fluid delivery system of the present invention in which the pumping mechanism thereof includes a plurality of pressurizing chambers in which pistons are slidably positioned.

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic drawing of the fluid delivery system of FIG. 4A showing a multi-patient disposable portion and a per-patient disposable portion.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sterile packaged kit including the fluid delivery system of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top, cutaway view of the pumping mechanism of the fluid delivery of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a fluid delivery system of the present invention, which operates similarly to the fluid delivery system of FIG. 4A, but in which the pumping mechanism is connected to the fluid container or source directly without intervening tubing.

FIG. 8 illustrates the use of a plurality of fluid delivery systems of the present invention to inject multiple fluids into a patient.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid delivery system of the present invention in which multiple fluid containers or sources are in fluid connection with a single pumping mechanism to inject multiple fluids into a patient.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides fluid delivery systems that can be used to inject one or more fluids into one or more patients. FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate an embodiment of a fluid delivery system 10 of the present invention in which a fluid container 100 is in operative connection with a continuous pressurizing mechanism 200 including multiple pressurizing chambers. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1C, pressurizing mechanism 200 includes three pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c. System 10 further includes an actuator or drive mechanism 300, which operates in connection with pressurizing mechanism 200 to pump fluid from within fluid container 100.

In one embodiment, each of pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c is formed from a flexible, resilient material such as a resilient polymeric material (for example, silicone polymer materials, urethane polymer materials and vinyl polymer materials). Drive mechanism 300 includes drive members 310 a, 310 b and 310 c, which cooperate with chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c, respectively, to pressurize fluid within chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c. In that regard, drive members 310 a, 310 b and 310 c operate in a reciprocating manner (similar to a piston) to compress (see FIG. 1D) chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c in an alternating, timed manner or sequence to provide continuous flow from a common outlet 220, which is in fluid connection with each of chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c. Preferably, the compression of the pressurizing chambers is timed to reduce pulsatile nature of the resultant flow. Control of pumping mechanisms including multiple pressurizing chambers to reduce pulsatile flow is further discussed below in connection with the fluid delivery system of FIGS. 4A through 5.

Drive mechanism 300 includes a closure 320 which is illustrated in an open state in FIGS. 1A and 1B. During use, an operator positions chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c in operative connection with drive mechanism 300 so that each of chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c are positioned adjacent drive members 310 a, 310 b and 310 c, respectively, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1B. The operator then rotates closure 320 to a closed state as illustrated in FIG. 1C. A latch or lock mechanism 330 cooperates with closure 320 to maintain closure 320 in a closed state. Drive mechanism 300 is also illustrated in an open state and a closed state (absent pumping mechanism 200) in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1D, container 100 is permanently or unremovably in fluid connection with pumping mechanism 200 via connective tubing segments 150 a-c. As used herein, the terms “permanently” or “unremovably” do not mean that container 100 and pumping mechanism 200 must be in fluid connection under all conditions, but that container 100 and pumping mechanism 200 will remain in fluid connection under all normal condition (including, those conditions experienced during transporting and operating the fluid delivery system). One can, for example, cut tubing segments 150 a-c or apply a very large force to tubing segments 150 a-c to break the fluid connection between container 100 and pumping mechanism 200. However, such operations would not typically occur, even accidentally, during normal transport or operation. Moreover, such an operation would leave fluid delivery system 10 in a damaged state recognizable by an operator, who could discard the damaged fluid delivery system. Thus, under normal operation, an operator is not required to make any fluid path connections between container 100 and pumping mechanism 200 and cannot break any fluid connection between container 100 and pumping mechanism 200. Permanent connection can, for example, be effected by forming the pumping mechanism of the present invention integrally with the containers of the present invention or through the use of nonremovable connections of flow path element (using, for example, plastic welds, adhesives etc. as known in the art).

Container 100 can include a port 105 through which, for example, additional or other fluid can be injected into container 100. In many cases, however, it may be undesirable to allow fluid to be transferred into container 100. Introduction of fluid into container 100 after initial distribution thereof can, for example, introduce contaminant(s), introduce air, or result in injection of an incorrect or undesirable fluid (or fluid concentration). Moreover, it can be desirable to prevent liquids from entering container 100 to, for example, ensure that a known injection fluid composition is injected and to prevent “refilling” and/or reuse of container 100 (which can, for example, increase the risk of contamination). Container 100 can also include one or more outlet ports 170 through which fluid can pass out of container 100 to a destination other than pumping mechanism 200. Such ports 170 can include a one-way valve to prevent fluid from passing therethrough into container 100.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1D, one-way valves (for example, duck-billed check valves) 212 a, 212 b and 212 c are placed in fluid connection with pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c, respectively, to allow fluid to enter pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c from container 100, but to prevent fluid from flowing from pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c into container 100. Likewise, one-way valves (for example, duck-billed check valves) 214 a, 214 b and 214 c are placed in fluid connection with pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c, respectively, to allow fluid to flow from pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c to outlet 220, but to prevent fluid from flowing from outlet 220 into pressurizing chambers 210 a, 210 b and 210 c. The one-way valve configuration described above facilitates pressurization of the fluid by pressurizing chamber 200 and assists in preventing any bloodborne contaminants from one or more patients from entering pressurizing chamber 220. Other check valves, can also be provided in fluid connection with outlet 220 to assist in preventing cross-contamination in cases that fluid delivery system is used in connection with multiple patients.

FIG. 1E illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pumping mechanism 200′ similar, in many respects, in design and operation to pumping mechanism 200. Components of pumping mechanism 200′ are numbered similarly to like components of pumping mechanism 200 with the addition of the designation “′”. In the case of, pumping mechanism 200′, pressurizing chambers 210 a′, 210 b′ and 210 c′ are in fluid connection with a manifold 205′ that is in permanent or non-removable fluid connection with container 100′ via a single tubing segment 150′.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pumping mechanism 200″ similar in design and operation to pumping mechanism 200. Components of pumping mechanism 200″ are numbered similarly to like components of pumping mechanism 200 with the addition of the designation “″”. Unlike pumping mechanism 200, however, pumping mechanism 200″ is disconnectible or removable from container 100″. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, pumping mechanism 200″ can be placed in fluid connection with container 100″ via cooperation of a connector 250″ in the form of a piercing member or spike, which cooperates with a cooperating connector in the form of a pierceable septum 150″ on container 100″ as known in the art.

FIGS. 4A through 5 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid delivery system 300 of the present invention. Fluid delivery system 300 includes a fluid container 400 in generally permanent or non-removable fluid connection with a pumping mechanism 500 via tubing 450. Pumping mechanism 500 operates essentially as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Pumping mechanism 500 includes a plurality of pressurizing chambers. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4A through 5, pumping mechanism includes three pressurizing chambers 510 a, 510 b and 510 c. Each of pressurizing chambers 510 a, 510 b and 510 c includes a piston 512 a, 512 b and 512 c, respectively, slidably disposed therein. Pistons 512 a, 512 b and 512 c are in operative connection with connectors 514 a, 514 b and 514 c which cooperate with connectors 614 a, 614 b and 614 c, respectively, of a drive mechanism 600. Connectors 614 a, 614 b and 614 c are in operative connection with drive members 610 a, 610 b and 610 c, respectively, of drive mechanism 600. As described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000, drive members 610 a, 610 b and 610 c can, for example, be actuated in a timed manner or sequence to reduce any pulsatile nature of the flow of fluid exiting pumping mechanism 500. Each drive member 610 a, 610 b and 610 c can, for example, attached to a cam shaft 620 via bearing assemblies as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000. Cam shaft 620 is in operative connection with a motor 630. Motor 630 or pumping mechanism 500 can, for example, include a mechanism 633 (see FIG. 4B) such as a mechanical or electrical stop mechanism in operative connection therewith to prevent operation of pumping mechanism 500 in a reverse direction (or a direction that would result in fluid flow into or toward container 400.

As also disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,197 and 6,197,000, each pressurizing chamber 510 a, 510 b and 510 c includes an inlet port 522 a, 522 b and 522 c and an outlet port 532 a, 532 b and 532 c, respectively (see FIGS. 4B and 6). Inlet ports 522 a, 522 b and 522 c and outlet ports 532 a, 532 b and 532 c are, for example, provided with one-way valves 540 to ensure the desired direction of flow is maintained. Inlet port 522 a, 522 b and 522 c are in fluid connection with a common inlet channel 520 (which is in fluid connection with container 400 via tubing 450), while outlet port 532 a, 532 b and 532 c are in fluid connection with a common outlet channel 530. Inlet channel 520 and outlet channel 530 are part of a head 505 (see, for example, FIG. 4A), which can, for example, be fabricated from an integral piece of polymeric material. One-way valves 540 used in connection with the inlet ports 522 a, 522 b and 522 c and outlet ports 532 a, 532 b and 532 c of pressurizing chambers 510 a, 510 b and 510 c can, for example, include flexible disks that act as valves to allow unidirectional flow into or out of each pressurizing chamber. Flexible check valves 540 can, for example, be made of rubber or a lightweight polymer. Such one-way valves operate to prevent flow from pumping mechanism 500 toward container 400 via tubing 450.

Fluid delivery system 300 is placed in fluid connection with a patient (not shown) via a per-patient disposable tubing or administration set 700. Tubing set 700 can, for example, include at least one connector 720 on a first end thereof that cooperates with a connector 520 on an outlet of pumping mechanism 500 to place tubing set 700 in removable fluid connection with pumping mechanism 500. A second end of tubing set 700 can include a connector 740 to form a connection with, for example, a catheter such as a butterfly catheter 800, which includes a cooperating connector 840. Connectors 520 and 720, as well as connectors 740 and 840 can, for example, be cooperating Luer connectors as known in the art.

Tubing set 700 can also be connected to pumping mechanism via a disconnectible aseptic connection (that is, connector sections 520 and 720 form a removable aseptic connection). For example, disconnectible aseptic connectors suitable for use in the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,471,674, 6,699,219, 6,440,107 and 6,096,011, and Published US Patent Application No. 2003/0014035 (Serial. No. 10/190,361), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Use of such a disconnectible aseptic connection can, for example, facilitate use of fluid delivery system 300 with multiple patients. In that regard, container 400 can be provided with sufficient fluid for use with multiple patients. In such an embodiment, a different per-patient disposable tubing set 700 can be used in connection with each patient. A one-way valve or check valve 710 can be placed in line near the outlet of tubing set 700 to prevent flow of fluid from a patient toward connector 720. After an injection procedure with a patient, tubing set 700 is removed from connection with pumping mechanism 500. Aseptic connector 520 (for example, a swabable valve) can, for example, be wiped with a antiseptic wipe prior to connection of a new tubing set 700 to reduce any risk of cross-contamination between patients. Subsequently, a new, sterile tubing set 700 can be connected to pumping mechanism 500 via aseptic connection 520 and another injection procedure performed with a different patient. Fluid delivery set 300 can, for example, be discarded after use with a predetermined number of patients (for example, ten patients).

Tubing sets 700 for use in the present invention can, for example, be provided with more than one connector 720 to enable connection of more than one fluid delivery system 300 thereto. This can, for example, facilitate attachment of a second fluid delivery system to tubing set 700 if there is insufficient fluid in the first fluid delivery system to perform a specific injection with a patient. The second connector 720 (not shown, but identical to first connector 720), can include a protective cap to maintain the sterility thereof until use there may be required. Use of such a second connector in tubing set 700 can, for example, prevent waste of an amount of fluid in a particular fluid delivery system when the remaining fluid is insufficient to perform an injection procedure.

FIG. 5 illustrates fluid delivery system 300 packaged in a sterile package 1000 for distribution. As illustrated, container 400 is in permanent fluid connection with pumping mechanism 500 via tubing 450 as shipped within sterile packaging 1000. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, a plurality of sterile per-patient disposable tubing sets 700 are include in package 1000 to, for example, facilitate use of fluid delivery set 300 with multiple patients as described above. One of tubing sets 700 can, for example, be placed in sterile fluid connection with pumping mechanism 500 prior to distribution in package 1000. Package 1000 can also include a manual syringe 1100 which can, for example, be used to draw blood from a patient through a port 760 on tubing set 700 to confirm patency of catheter 800 within a patient's vein. In that regard, if flow through tubing set 700 cannot be reversed using pumping mechanism 500, syringe 1100 provides a simple mode of confirming patency. Port 760 can include a control valve 770 in fluid connection therewith to prevent fluid from exiting port 760 when tubing set 700 is under fluid pressure during an injection.

In one embodiment, fluid container 400 is a flexible container similar to a flexible fluid bag as known in the medical arts. With use of a flexible fluid container it is possible to substantially or even completely remove air from container 400 prior to distribution of fluid delivery system 400, thereby substantially reducing the risk of injecting large quantities of air into a patient. Container 400 can include an openable port 460 such as a tear-off or break-off port as known in the art (available, for example, from Qosina Corp of Edgewood, New York) that prevents fluid from flowing from container 400 into tubing 450 (or into container 400) until an operator opens port 460. Such a port can be placed inside container 400 or exterior to container 400 and in fluid connection with tubing 450. After port 460 is placed in an open state, an operator preferably primes tubing 405, pumping mechanism 500 and tubing set 700 to remove air therefrom by displacing such air with fluid from container 400. One or more air detectors 320 can also be placed in fluid connection with fluid delivery system 300 and or tubing set 700 to provide further assurance that air is not injected into a patient.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4A, a controller 900 can be placed in operative communicative connection with drive mechanism 600. Examples of control of flow from multiple pharmaceutical fluid containers (including, syringes and other containers) is, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,026, U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,537 and Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0064041 (Ser. No. 10/159,592), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Pumping mechanism 500 (and/or other system components such as container 400) can, for example, include one or more readable information stores or indicators 570 that can be read by, for example, controller 900 to provide information to controller 900 regarding the configuration of fluid delivery system 600 (for example, fluid volume, fluid identity, concentration etc.) to facilitate control of drive mechanism 600. As illustrated in FIG. 5, information store 570 can for example be an optically readable bar code. Information store or indicator 570 can also, for example, be an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag as known in the art or other electrical or electromechanical coding system as known in the art. Coding systems used in connection with syringes that can also be used or adapted for use in connection with the fluid delivery systems of the present invention are, for example, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,202 and Published U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2003/0065287 (Ser. No. 10/114,710), 2002/0128606 (Ser. No. 09/765,498) and 2004/0064101 (Ser. No. 10/466,418), assigned to the assignee of the present invention, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Tubing set 700 can likewise include an information store or indicator 705 to provide information on the configuration thereof to controller 900. Such information (for example, volume information) can, for example, be used to enable an automated priming function in which pumping mechanism 500 and tubing set 700 are primed with activation of a single switch by an operator.

In addition to flow control, controller 900 can, for example, note when a fluid delivery system 300 has been attached to drive mechanism 600 and begin countdown of a time period (for example, 24 hours) during which the fluid in container 400 must be injected or discarded. An alert can be provided or flow can be prevented (by, for example, flow controller 900 or other system element) after such time period. Flow Controller 900 can also provide an alert as to when there is insufficient fluid within container 400 to perform a specific injection procedure. At this point, a new or second fluid delivery system 300 can be placed in fluid connection with tubing set 700 as described above to ensure that sufficient fluid is available for the injection procedure.

A bulk fluid heating system 315 a (see, FIG. 4A) can be placed in operative connection with container 400 to heat the fluid to a temperature (for example, body temperature) to make the injection procedure more comfortable for a patient. Heating the fluid can also facility delivery by reducing viscosity. Alternatively or additionally an inline, real time heating system 315 b can be placed in operative connection with the fluid path. In the embodiment, of FIG. 4A, heating system 315 b is place in operative connection with tubing 450.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid delivery system 300 a in which a pumping mechanism 500 a, which operates substantially the same as pumping mechanism 500, is formed integrally with container 400 a without intervening tubing. In that regard, an inlet 502 a of pumping mechanism 500 a is in direct fluid connection with the interior of container 400 a. Pumping mechanism outlet 504 a can, for example, be in fluid connection with an aseptic connector as described above for connection of tubing set 700 thereto. Inlet 502 a can include a break-off port as described above. Pumping mechanism 500 a operates in connection with drive mechanism 600 via connectors 512 aa, 512 ab and 512 ac, as described above in connection with pumping mechanism 500.

In many injection procedures, it is desirable to inject two or more fluids into a patient (simultaneously or sequentially). For example, saline is often used in connection with a contrast medium. As illustrated in FIG. 8, multiple fluid delivery systems 300 b and 300 c (substantially identical to fluid delivery system 300 with like components therewith numbered accordingly) can be provided to inject a plurality of fluids into a patient (for example, contrast and saline). Although two fluid delivery systems 300 b and 300 c are shown in FIG. 8, more than two such systems can be provided to inject three or more fluids into a patient during a single injection procedure. Such fluid delivery systems can be distributed in the same or different sterile packages as, for example, described in connection with FIG. 5. As clear to one skilled in the art, controller 900 can readily be used in connection with multiple fluid delivery systems of the present invention. In the embodiment, of FIG. 8, each of fluid delivery systems 300 b and 300 c are in fluid connection with a common mixing element or chamber 360, which can be place in fluid connection with a per-patient disposable tubing set as described above. Controller 900 can, for example, control (and vary) flow from each of fluid delivery systems 300 b and 300 c to control (and vary) total flow rate and relative concentration of each fluid during the course of an injection procedure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, a fluid delivery system 1300 is illustrated which includes a plurality of (that is, two or more) containers 1400 a and 1400 b which are connected to a single pumping mechanism 1500 via a multiport control valve 1580. Control valve 1580 and drive mechanism 1600 can, for example, be controlled via a controller 1900 to inject a desired amount of either of both of the fluids enclosed in containers 1400 a and 1400 b.

In the systems of the present invention, total fluid injection rate can be maintained constant or varied in virtually any manner while flow rate of the component fluids can be varied independently. An injection protocol including the paramters for the injection can be input into controller 900 based upon, for example, patient specific parameters. Moreover, feedback of one or more measured variables (for example, patient variables, measured contrast enhancment, etc.) can be used to alter the injection protocol in real time.

Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with the above embodiments and/or examples, it should be understood that such detail is illustrative and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can make variations without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A fluid delivery system comprising: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient; a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container; and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism.
 2. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the container is a flexible container.
 3. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 further comprising at least one one-way valve in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and the container to prevent flow from the pump to the container.
 4. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a plurality of ports in fluid connection with the pumping mechanism, a one way valve being in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and each the plurality of ports, the one way valves preventing flow from the pumping mechanism to the container.
 5. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the pump mechanism comprises at least one pressurizing chamber in fluid connection with the container and adapted to be placed in operative, removable connection with a drive mechanism to pump fluid from within the container.
 6. The fluid delivery system of claim 5 wherein fluid from the container is pressurized within the pressurizing chamber via positive displacement.
 7. The fluid delivery system of claim 6 wherein the pump mechanism comprises a plurality of pressurizing chambers in which fluid from the container is pressurized for delivery to the patient via positive displacement.
 8. The fluid delivery system of claim 7 wherein each of the pressurizing chambers is in fluid connection with a single pump mechanism outlet.
 9. The fluid delivery system of claim 7 wherein the pressurizing chambers are formed from a flexible, resilient material that can be compressed to pressurize fluid within the pressurizing chamber.
 10. The fluid delivery device of claim 9 wherein the flexible material of the pressurizing chambers is suitably resilient such that recovery of the flexible material of the pressurizing chambers creates a pressure difference between the pressurizing chamber and the storage container suitable to draw fluid from the storage container into the pressurizing chambers.
 11. The fluid delivery device of claim 7 wherein each of the pressurizing chambers comprises a piston slidably disposed therein.
 12. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the container is filled with fluid to be injected and is substantially devoid of air.
 13. The fluid delivery system of claim 13 wherein in the volume of air in the container is less than 1 volume percent.
 14. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the container comprises no inlet port through which a fluid can enter the container.
 15. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the fluid container and the pump mechanism are disposable as unit.
 16. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the outlet of the pumping mechanism is in fluid connection with a connector adapted to place the fluid delivery system in fluid connection with a per-patient disposable tubing set.
 17. The fluid delivery system of claim 16 wherein the connector is adapted to place the pumping mechanism in fluid connection with a plurality of per-patient disposable tubing sets sequentially to allow injection of fluid from the container into multiple patients.
 18. The fluid delivery system of claim 17 wherein the connector is swabable to clean the connector after a tubing set has been removed therefore and prior to connection of another tubing set thereto.
 19. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the pumping mechanism cannot pump fluid from outside the container into the container.
 20. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the pump mechanism is adapted to pressurize the fluid to at least 20 psi.
 21. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the pump mechanism is adapted to pressurize the fluid to at least 50 psi.
 22. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the pump mechanism is adapted to pressurize the fluid to at least 100 psi.
 23. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 wherein the pump mechanism is adapted to pressurize the fluid with a degree of pulsatile flow no greater than 25%, wherein the degree of pulsatile flow is defined by the following equation. 100%*(max flow−min flow)/average flow.
 24. The fluid delivery system of claim 23 wherein the degree of pulsatile flow is no greater than 20%.
 25. The fluid delivery system of claim 23 wherein the degree of pulsatile flow is no greater than 15%.
 26. The fluid delivery system of claim 23 wherein the degree of pulsatile flow is no greater than 10%.
 27. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism to prevent flow of fluid into the container.
 28. A fluid delivery system, comprising: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient; a drive mechanism; a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the fluid container, the pump mechanism being adapted to be placed in removable, operative connection with the drive mechanism; and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism.
 29. The fluid delivery system of claim 28 wherein the pump mechanism comprises a plurality of pressurizing chambers in which fluid from the container is pressurized at least one one-way valve being in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and the container to prevent flow from the pump mechanism to the container.
 30. The fluid delivery system of claim 29 wherein the drive mechanism comprises at least one drive member to compress the pressurizing chambers.
 31. The fluid delivery system of claim 29 wherein the drive mechanism comprises a drive member for each of the pressurizing chambers to compress each of the pressurizing chambers in a timed fashion.
 32. The fluid delivery system of claim 31 wherein the drive member compresses the pressurizing chambers is a timed fashion to reduce pulsatile nature of the flow.
 33. The fluid delivery system of claim 28 wherein each of the pressurizing chambers comprises a piston slidably disposed therein.
 34. The fluid delivery system of claim 33 wherein the pressurizing mechanism comprises a plurality of connectors, one of the plurality of connectors being in operative connection with each of the pistons, each of the plurality of connectors being adapted to be placed in releasable connection with the drive mechanism.
 35. The fluid delivery system of claim 34 wherein the drive mechanism comprises a plurality of drive members, each of the plurality of drive member including a cooperating connector adapted to be place in removable, operative connection with one of the connectors of the pumping mechanism.
 36. A method of distributing a fluid to be injected into a patient, comprising: creating a fluid delivery system by filling at least one container with fluid to be to be injected into at least one patient, the fluid container being placed in non-removable fluid connection with a continuous pump mechanism, the pump mechanism including an outlet; and transporting the fluid delivery system to a user.
 37. The method of claim 36 wherein the pump mechanism is in non-removable fluid connection with container prior to filling the container.
 38. The method of claim 36 wherein the pump mechanism is placed in non-removable fluid connection with container after filling the container.
 39. The method of claim 36 further comprising priming the pumping mechanism with fluid from the container prior to transporting the fluid delivery system.
 40. The method of claim 36 further comprising purging air from at least the container of the fluid delivery system prior to transporting the fluid delivery system.
 41. The method of claim 36 wherein the container includes no port through which fluid can be introduced to the container.
 42. The method of claim 36 wherein the container is a flexible container.
 43. The method of claim 36 wherein the fluid delivery system further comprises a one-way valve is in fluid connection between the pump mechanism and the container to prevent flow from the pump mechanism to the container.
 44. The method of claim 36 wherein the pump mechanism comprises at least one pressurizing chamber in fluid connection with the port of the container, the pump mechanism being adapted to be placed in operative, removable connection with a drive mechanism to pump fluid from within the container.
 45. The method of claim 36 further comprising the step of placing the fluid delivery system in a package prior to transporting the fluid delivery system.
 46. The method of claim 45 wherein the fluid delivery system is packaged in a sterile state.
 47. A method of delivery fluid to a patient, comprising: removing a fluid delivery system from a package, the fluid delivery system comprising: at least one container having therein fluid to be delivered to a patient; a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container; and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism; removably connecting the pump mechanism to a drive mechanism; and connecting a first patient interface to the outlet.
 48. The method of claim 47 further comprising injecting fluid into at least a first patient.
 49. The method of claim 48 further comprising the step of removing the first patient interface from connection with the outlet after injecting fluid into the first patient and connecting a second patient interface to the outlet.
 50. The method of claim 47 further comprising disposing of the fluid delivery system after injecting fluid therefrom.
 51. A kit for fluid delivery packaged in a sterile container, comprising: at least one fluid delivery system, comprising: at least one container for fluid to be delivered to a patient; a continuous pump mechanism in non-removable fluid connection with the container; and an outlet in fluid connection with the pump mechanism.
 52. The kit of claim 51 further comprising at least one per-patient disposable tubing set including a connector to connect to the outlet of the fluid delivery system.
 53. The kit of claim 51 further comprising at least one manual syringe connectible to the tubing set adapted to draw blood from a patient or to inject a fluid.
 54. The kit of claim 51 comprising a plurality of per-patient disposable tubing sets.
 55. The kit of claim 51 comprising a plurality of fluid delivery systems, each of the fluid delivery systems including a different fluid in the container thereof.
 56. The kit of claim 55 wherein the container of one of the fluid delivery systems encloses a contrast enhancement medium and the container of another one of the fluid delivery systems encloses saline.
 57. A fluid delivery device, comprising: at least one inlet connectible to a fluid supply; at least two resilient pressurizing chambers in fluid connection with the at least one inlet, each of the pressurizing chambers being formed from a flexible material that can be compressed to pressurize fluid within the pressurizing chamber; an inlet valve in fluid connection with each of the pressurizing chambers between the storage container and the pressurizing chamber and being operable to allow fluid to enter the pressurizing chamber from the storage container but to prevent fluid from flowing from the pressurizing chamber into the storage container; a common outlet in fluid connection with the pressurizing chambers; an outlet valve in fluid connection with each of the pressurizing chambers between the pressurizing chamber and the outlet and being operable to allow fluid to enter the outlet from the pressurizing chamber but to prevent fluid from flowing from the outlet into the pressurizing chamber. 